A Billionaire For Valentine

Chapter 3

RYAN’S POV

I woke up early on Monday morning, feeling a bit anxious. I had a meeting with my assistant Nicole to discuss some important work-related matters. As I got dressed and headed to the office, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

When I arrived at the office, Nicole was already there, looking stunning in her short skirt and tight top. I tried to push aside my attraction to her, reminding myself that she was my assistant and that I needed to maintain a professional relationship with her. Plus I told Rita this was nothing and she wasn’t my type.

As we discussed work-related matters, I found myself getting more and more distracted by Nicole's presence. Before I knew it, we were kissing, and my hands were all over her. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help myself.

I took Nicole's hand and led her to the bathroom, locking the door behind us. We were lost in the moment, our lips locked in a passionate kiss.

Just as things were getting heated, I heard the door to my office open. But wasn’t bothered because if it was one of the staffs they would eventually go back if they don’t see me in the office.I continued making out with Nicole she herself cared less of anything.

"Ryan, will you marry me?" Rita asked, her voice trembling with emotion as she pushed open the bathroom door.

I immediately pushed Nicole away from me.I was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. Rita had already seen everything and she freaked out.

She ran out of the office, and I was left standing there, unsure of what to do. I quickly adjusted my clothes and followed Rita out of the office.

As I emerged from the bathroom, I saw Rita outside my office door forcing the ring onto my Boss, Dominic’s finger.

I was furious, but I couldn't show it. Not in front of my boss. He was a man who didn't tolerate any nonsense, and I knew I had to keep my cool.

"I'm sorry, boss," I said, trying to sound contrite. "I don't know what happened."

Dominic looked at me, his expression unreadable. "We'll talk about this later, Ryan," he said, his voice firm.

I nodded, knowing that I was in trouble. Big trouble.

I watched in silence as Rita followed Dominic into the elevator. I couldn't do anything to stop her, not without making a scene in front of my boss.

As the elevator doors closed, I felt a surge of anger and frustration. How could Rita do this to me? Didn't she know that I loved her?

But as I looked over at my Boss, I knew I had to keep my emotions in check. I couldn't afford to lose my cool, not now.

I went back into my office, slamming the door behind me. I dialed Nicole's number, my anger boiling over.

"Where the hell did you go?" I shouted into the phone.

"I didn't want to cause more trouble," Nicole replied, her voice trembling.

"Get your w***e ass back in this office immediately," I barked.

A few minutes later, Nicole walked into my office, looking nervous. I glared at her, my anger still simmering.

"What were you thinking, dressing like that?" I demanded. "You're a p********e, Nicole. You're not even trying to hide it."

Nicole started to plead, adjusting her revealing clothes. "Ryan, please understand... I just wanted to..."

But I cut her off, my voice cold and venomous. "Ahh, so it's Ryan now, coz I've put my hands on your filthy body? No respect. It's no longer 'sir'... you whore."

Nicole flinched at my words, tears streaming down her face.

"What was I even thinking?" I spat, disgust etched on my face. "You're a raving mad woman. You’re fired, get out of my office and never come back ."

Nicole's face fell, and she started to sob uncontrollably. But I didn't care. I was still fuming from the scene with Rita, and Nicole's actions had just made things worse.

"Get out," I repeated, pointing to the door.

Nicole nodded, still crying, and quickly gathered her things. She rushed out of the office, leaving me alone to stew in my anger.

RITA’S POV

We got to the top floor and I followed Dominic into his office, taking in the sleek, modern decor. He pulled out a chair for me, and I thanked him, feeling a bit awkward.

"It wasn't necessary," I said, trying to downplay the gesture.

Dominic smiled and sat down behind his desk. "So, what just happened downstairs?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

I took a deep breath and let it all out. "Ryan is a cheating, lying bastard. He doesn't love me, and I've always known it. I'm not even in love with him, but I'd grown fond of him, I guess."

Dominic raised an eyebrow. "So, why were you proposing to him?"

I shrugged. "It wasn't like I was desperate or anything. I just figured, since we'd been dating for three years, it was time to take the lead. Plus, my parents really want us to get married."

Dominic nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, when is our wedding date going to be announced?"

I was taken aback by the question, and then I realized he was teasing me. "Oh, haha, I'm so sorry about that. I was just pissed and wasn't thinking. I didn't even care about the ring anymore."

Dominic smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, you gave it to me, so what am I supposed to do now?"

I laughed, feeling a bit more at ease. "I don't even know if you're married."

Dominic touched the ring, his expression serious for a moment. "I'm not married, Rita."

I felt a flutter in my chest, and then I realized I was being silly. "Wow, okay. Then you must have a girlfriend."

Dominic shook his head, his smile returning. "No, I don't have anyone, Rita."

Just then, my eyes caught a glimpse of something familiar on the wall. I stood up, my heart racing. "What... what's my picture doing there?"

Dominic's smile faltered for a moment, and then he stood up, walking over to the picture. "Let's just say I've always had my eyes on you, Rita. And that's my favorite picture of you."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met Dominic's gaze. What did he mean by that? And how did he even get that picture of me?

Dominic explained, "I knew your parents from when I was 18. My dad used to work with them, but they had a falling out. Your dad betrayed my dad, and we cut off business ties."

I listened intently as Dominic continued, "I first saw you when you were 14, but you were still just a kid. The next time I saw you, you were launching your clothing brand. You were so pretty then."

I blushed, feeling a bit shy.

Dominic went on, "I've been looking out for you ever since. I'd see you occasionally at the office, visiting Ryan. But since you were taken, I decided to admire you from afar."

I laughed, teasing him, "Well, that's... huh. So, you decided to show yourself at the ring store, stalker?"

Dominic chuckled. "It was a coincidence, I swear. I wasn't stalking you."

I smiled, "Who can I ask to confirm that?"

Dominic's expression turned serious, and he asked, "Will you be my girlfriend, Rita? I've been waiting for so long to ask you that."

I was taken aback, but then I remembered proposing to him earlier. "Well, I proposed to you already, so... yes, I'll be your girlfriend."

Dominic's face lit up, and he sat down in his chair, looking triumphant. "Wow, nice!"

He held out his phone, and I took it, inputting my number. He immediately called me, grinning. "To make sure you're not trying to ditch me."

I laughed, feeling a spark of excitement.

Just then, my phone rang. "Excuse me," I said to Dominic, answering the call.

"Hey, Tristan," I said.

"I'm driving to your house," Tristan said. "You didn't go to the office, right?"

“No , my secretary will handle the office today, I had today planned out but It's been hell."

Tristan's voice was sympathetic. "I'll meet you at your place, and you can tell me all about it."

We hung up, and I turned to Dominic. "Sorry, boyfriend, but that's all for now."

Dominic smiled, his eyes sparkling. "I'll let you go... for now."

As I left Dominic's office, I couldn't help but notice that he couldn't take his eyes off me. I felt a flutter in my chest, but I pushed the feeling aside and headed to the elevator.

I got into my car and drove home, my mind consumed by thoughts of Dominic. I couldn't believe how much I was drawn to him, and how quickly I had forgotten about Ryan's infidelity. In fact, I was more thankful that Ryan had screwed up, or I might have never met Dominic.

Some minutes later, I arrived home, and Tristan was pulling into the driveway behind me. We both got out of our cars, and he enveloped me in a warm hug.

"Hey, girl, what's going on?" he asked, holding me at arm's length.

I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Let's go inside, and I'll tell you all about it."

We walked into my room, hand in hand, and I sat down on the bed, getting ready to spill the tea.

"I was going to propose... don't judge me, I got a ring... but when I entered his office, he was making out with his assistant," I said, making a pitiful baby face.

Tristan's eyes widened in shock. "What?" he exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

"He doesn't know your worth, baby girl. Just forget him," Tristan said, his voice filled with empathy.

I smiled wryly. "I already did."

Tristan's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with intensity. He gently lifted my chin with his finger, his lips inches from mine.

But just as he was about to kiss me, I turned away, and he ended up kissing my cheek instead.

I pushed him back, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. "Tristan, we aren't 14 anymore. Let the past be the past."